The only program of its kind in Ontario - Three Pathways, One Program
The Odette Master of Business Administration - Professional Accounting Specialization (MBA-PAS), is a unique program that prepares its graduates to succeed as accountants and business professionals in a multitude of careers. The program allows those with an undergraduate degree and the requisite accounting courses for entry to CPAO PEP (Professional Education Program) to obtain an MBA and fulfill CPAO PEP requirements up to the elective modules.
New! A Unique, Fast-Track MBA Program for CPAs
Applicants with a CPA designation and at least two years of work experience may qualify to enter the MBA-PAS program with advanced standing. These students will not be required to complete the program’s accounting courses. This allows the student to complete the program and obtain their MBA in only twelve months (three semesters, two courses per semester).
The program is flexible, experiential, and cultivates a learning environment where synergies from diverse backgrounds contribute to the education of a well-rounded Chartered Professional Accountant. Courses are designed to develop technical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, as well as critical thinking and professional decision-making ability, all of which are required to excel in complex work environments.
Program Pathways
Pathway 1 - Students pursuing CPA
This pathway is designed for those students who wish to pursue the CPA designation only. A student selecting this pathway will complete semester one courses. Upon successful completion of the course work students will graduate with a Graduate Diploma in Accounting (G. Dip.). The G. Dip. is accredited by CPAO through to the elective phase of PEP. Thus, students are eligible to enroll in CPAO capstone 1 and capstone 2 once they have earned the G. Dip.
The first semester consists entirely of five professional accounting courses. These courses are delivered in the evening and are substantially in-person instruction.
Pathway 2 - Students pursuing CPA and MBA
This pathway is designed for those students who wish to pursue the CPA designation as well as the MBA degree. A student selecting this pathway will complete semester 1 professional accounting courses, which are accredited by CPAO through to the electives phase of PEP. Upon successful completion of semester 1, the student will request a leave of absence from the MBA-PAS program to pursue capstone 1 and capstone 2 with CPAO, and then presumably write the CFE (Common Final Examination). After the student has written the CFE, the student can return to MBA-PAS to complete the remaining six MBA courses.
The remaining six MBA courses can be taken over two semesters, and these courses are delivered online, in the evenings.
Pathway 3 - CPAs pursuing MBA
This pathway is designed for CPAs who wish to obtain an MBA. Students who qualify for this pathway will be granted advanced standing and will not be required to complete the semester 1 professional accounting courses. These students will be required to complete six MBA courses.
These six courses must be over at least three semesters. These courses are delivered online, in the evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
The MBA-PAS program is 12 months long (3 semesters).
The MBA-PAS program has a fall and summer intake for those pursuing the CPA. For CPA holders pursuing the MBA, the program intake can occur in winter, summer, or fall.
Fall Start
Semester 1: Fall
- ACCT-8010 Advanced Topics in Financial Reporting
- ACCT-8020 Advanced Topics in Management Accounting and Control
- ACCT-8050 Advanced Audit and Assurance
- ACCT-8060 Advanced Topics in Taxation
- ACCT-8080 Integrative Case Analysis
Semester 2: Winter
- BUSI-8010 Interpersonal Dynamics
- FINA-8040 Advanced Corporate Finance
- BUSI-8050 Marketing Management
Students can take a 1 semester leave of absence to complete capstone 1 & 2 with CPA Ontario
Semester 3: Fall
- STEN-8980 Strategic Management
- MGMT-8030 Performance Management and Governance
- BUSI-8140 Digital Business Systems
Summer Start
Semester 1: Summer
- ACCT-8010 Advanced Topics in Financial Reporting
- ACCT-8020 Advanced Topics in Management Accounting and Control
- ACCT-8050 Advanced Audit and Assurance
- ACCT-8060 Advanced Topics in Taxation
- ACCT-8080 Integrative Case Analysis
Semester 2: Fall
- STEN-8980 Strategic Management
- MGMT-8030 Performance Management and Governance
- BUSI-8140 Digital Business Systems
Semester 3: Winter
- BUSI-8010 Interpersonal Dynamics
- FINA-8040 Advanced Corporate Finance
- BUSI-8050 Marketing Management
Winter Semester:
- BUSI-8010 Interpersonal Dynamics
- FINA-8040 Advanced Corporate Finance
Summer Semester:
- STEN-8980 Strategic Management
- BUSI-8050 Marketing Management
Fall Semester:
- MGMT-8030 Performance Management and Governance
- BUSI-8140 Digital Business Systems
View the UWindsor Tuition Fee Estimator to determine costs. Please note the calculator estimates fees per semester.
You can find our admission requirements here. Please note there is a $125 non-refundable fee to apply.
Yes, bursaries are available through the Odette School of Business and the University of Windsor. Please note we do not offer full-ride scholarships.
Learn more about scholarships and bursaries on the Graduate Studies website.
We do not offer pre-evaluations of your application. We encourage you to apply if you meet the admission criteria we have listed and are interested in pursuing your CPA while earning an MBA degree.
Yes, the GMAT Executive Assessment is a requirement for admission into the full MBA-PAS program.
*Note: The GMAT requirement may be waived for students with high academic achievements in core accounting courses or with significant relevant work experience (at the discretion of the Director of the MBA-PAS program).
For CPAs given advance standing in the program, the GMAT requirement is waived.